Hydroplane construction

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a water-borne craft of the hydroplane type which is capable of ocean travel at high speed while simultaneously maintaining a high degree of stability and a horizontal aptitude to the craft. The craft is supported by a support assembly in the form of a plurality of vertical structure supports which have a pair of roller shaped floats positioned to each vertical support through means of a rocker assembly pivotally connected to the vertical supports and mounted for reciprocating movement up and down the support, and shock absorbing means carried by said support to provide a shock absorbing action upon the vertical reciprocation of each pair of floats. A propulsion unit for the craft includes a controlled water inlet means, multi-stage combustion zones for generation of steam and combustion products, a turbine means for generation of electrical power, and jet nozzle means for generation of the required propulsive force.

O United States Patent 1 1 1 9 3 Holmes Aug. 21, 1973 [54] HYIDROPLANE CONSTRUCTION 2,763,987 9/1956 Kretschmer 60/39.55 2,098,629 Ill 1937 Knowlton 60/203 UX [76] Rum! 30 957,097 5/1910 Restucci l37/625.31

Ave., Southampton, Sol. 2H] Hants, England Primary Examiner-Carlton R. Croyle [22] Filed: July 12, 1971 Assistant Examiner-Robert E. Garrett [21] AppL NOJ 161,466 Attorney-James F. Jones Related U.S. Application Data [57] ABSTRACT [62] Division of Ser. No. 570,606, Sept. 5, 1966, Pat. No.

3,592,154, The invention relates to a water-borne craft of the hydroplane type which is capable of ocean travel at high [52] U.S. Cl....; 60/227, 60/261, 60/39.55, Speed h le Simultaneously maintaining a high degree 60/39 82 N of stability and a horizontal aptitude to the craft. The [51] Int. Cl. B63h 11/02, B63h 11/14 a craft is Supported y a pp s y in h r of [58] Field of Search 60/39.53-39.55, a p rali y f vertical structure supports which have a- 227 221 2 1; 37 253 pair of roller shaped floats positioned to each vertical support through means of a rocker assembly pivotally [56] References Cit d connected to the vertical supports and mounted for re- UNITED STATES PATENTS ciprocating movement up and down the support, and

shock absorbing means carried by said support to proga i: vide a shock absorbing action upon the vertical recipl'787844 H1931 66/227 rocation of each pair of floats. A propulsion unit for the 2:469:678 5/1949 60/227 X craft includes a controlled water inlet means, multi- 34,74 10 1901 Chapman," U 0 227 stage combustion zones for generation of steam and 2,402,826 6/1946 Lubbock.... 60/39.55 X combustion products, a turbine means for generation 3,044,253 7/1962 Zwicky 60/227 X of electrical power, and jet nozzle means for generation 1,986,252 1/1935 Conran 137/625.3l X of the re uired propulsive force, 3,293,854 12/1966 Walker 60/227 1 ,8l4,l92 7/1931 Slattengren 60139.55 4 I laims, Drawing Figures "sum 02 or w lllllllllflvllllll IIIIIIIIlIIIaIl FIG. 2.

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PATENTEU m2 I R913 sum 150F16 RELATED APPLICATION This application is a division of application Ser. No. 570,606, filed Aug. 5, 1966, now U. S. Pat. No. 3,592,154.

The present invention relates to water-home craft which can traverse oceans that accumulate high waves, and more specifically to such vessels which are capable of traversing the seas at high speeds while simultaneously maintaining such vessels at a high degree of stability and horizontal attitude by means of a series of roller shaped floats within rocker assemblies, the fulcrums of which are provided with hydraulic shock absorbers, and which are independent suspension units to support the draft in a flexible manner while conforming to, and absorbing, the shocks imparted by the high waves.

In order that the invention may be fully understood, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. I is a side elevation of a multiple floated hydroplane according to the present invention, the basic craft being therein presented.

FIG. 1A is an enlarged detailed fragmentary crosssection of a roller floats hydraulic assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the basic craft shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation of the basic craft shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the basic craft shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a side elevation of the initial water, air and oil inlet assemblies within one of the propulsion units, and also illustrates the ignition system and first and second phases of combustion.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of an initial water inlet assembly for one of the propulsion units made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the third and fourth phases of combustion within one of the propulsion units and also illustrates the turbine and generator assembly with associated multiple coils and distributors, with tur bo-alternators for ultra-high frequency to the spark flow circuitry in the electrical infusion of phase six, within one of the propulsion units.

FIG. 6A is an end or transverse elevation of the layout of the generators around the central gas eflux tube from' the turbine, within one of the propulsion units.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation illustrating the fifth, sixth and seventh phases of combustion, within one of the propulsion units.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of one of the helical installations of the electrical spark electrode assemblies inside the electrical infusion tube and within one of the propulsion units.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the front two-thirds of one of the propulsion units within the convertible arrangement for the provision of an electrical generating and/or pumping plant.

FIG. 8A is a transverse end elevation illustrating the connection of a propulsion unit to an immersed power plant.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the aft or final one-third portion of a propulsion unit arranged for prior connection to the plants tubular housing assembly, which contains the main turbine-to-generators and/or pumps for the plant installation, and further illustrates the forward portion of the plant tubular housing, as connected to the thrust jet orifice, of one of the propulsion units.

FIG. 9A is a side elevation of the remainder of the plants tubular housing illustrating the insulated water jacket and main turbine coupled to generators and/or pumps installed within, and also the power output cables and/or pumped liquid output pipes at the rear.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the composite craft as constructed utilizing a plurality of the basic craft to provide a much larger craft and of greater flexibility to counteract larger waves on oceans in stormy conditions.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation of the composite craft shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a rear elevation of the composite craft shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is an end elevation cross-sectional view of the triple phase distribution of electrical current supply for each twin-spark electrode assembly.

FIG. 13A is a plan diagram of the triple phase power distribution circuit with modulation for each twinspark electrode assembly.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the boost unit's intake, turbine, turbo-alternators, couplings and distributors as driven.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the boost units continuation showing expansion chamber, electro-infusion, final combustion chamber, outlet venturi and thrust gas eflux.

BASIC SUPPORT ASSEMBLY Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates the general mechanical and structural layout of the invention whereby the twin-mounted roller floats l, as shown in- FIGS. 2 and 3, are arranged in longitudinal alignment, with each pair of floats being contained between each transverse pair of rocker members, as best shown in FIG. 1. The fulcrums of the rocker members are provided with pivot pins 3 on which are also mounted the base members 4 of the hydraulic shock absorbing assemblies, this being shown in greater detail in FIG. 1A.

The base members 4 and the pivots 3 may movefreely in a vertically reciprocal manner within guide slots 6 which are formed by guide members 7 positioned within the vertical structure supports 8, this arrangement being illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2 and 3.

Referring to FIG. 1A particularly, it is seen that each piston shaft 9 is connected at one end to its respective base member 4 with the opposite end of each being connected to the corresponding hydraulic piston 10 which is surrounded circumferentially by the hydraulic cylinder 11 within which the hydraulic fluid 12 is carried. The uppermost extremity of each of the hydraulic assemblies is connected to the equalizing pressure tubes 13 shown in FIG. 1 which, in turn, are connected to the central spherical dampening chamber 14. A flexible diaphragm member 15 is positioned in the dampening chamber 14 in order to allow pneumatic air pressure 16 to fluctuate upon its upper surface in accordance with the desired air pressure imparted thereto from the dampening pneumatic pump 17 which is shown in FIG. 4.

BASIC CRAFT STRUCTURE Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 wherein the basic craft structure is shown, it is seen that the main structure of the basic craft made in accordance with the present invention includes longitudinal decking members 18 joined at right angles. to the transverse members 19, while the vertical diagonal bracing beams 20 serve to connect the vertical structure supports 8 to the longitudinal members 18 in a rigid manner. Transverse beams 21, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, are similarly connected between the vertical structure supports 8 and also the transverse members 19 and then cross-braced by vertical diagonal bracing beams 20 similar to those shown in FIG. 1.

Referring specifically to FIG. 4 only, it is seen that the structural supporting framework for the decking members 18 is completed by the interconnection of diamond-lattice diagonal bracing beams 22 longitudinally, whereupon further decking plates and/or planks or panels may be affixed as desired.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1, accommodation decks 23, positioned above the main deck 24, may be constructed in any desired manner and material so long as the materials employed are of lightweight density, such as aluminum coated with fiberglas or perspec and held by a suitable bonding adhesive, such as Araldite. The structure should be such that ample window areas are present in the accommodation deck.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, only a certain portion of the main deck area amidships is allocated for the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen processing plants 25 and 26 respectively which will utilize spent insular water 41. These processing plants may well be any orthodox installations of established design and manufacture and chosen to meet the requirements to support the performance of this craft as desired.

Referring again only to FIG. 1, the side plating 27 in conjunction with the semi-circular splash guard plates 28 serve to form the housing compartments 29 within which the heavy gas oil tanks 30, the paraffin tanks 31, the kerosene tanks 32 and the electric starting and storage batteries 33 are positioned. Bilge and/or fresh water tanks 34 may also be similarly housed in housing compartments 29.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, it is seen that the vertical rudder shaft locating beams 35 are affixed transversely in a horizontal manner at both extremities of this basic craft and are secured to the vertical structure members at these locations. The vertical rudder shafts 36 proper are installed thereto within bearings 37 at 10- cations centrally between each pair of propulsion units 38, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, with the rudders 39 being situated at the lowest extremities of the respective rudder shafts 36.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the spent insular water delivery tubes 40 shown therein actually serve to guide the insular water fiow 41 from their respective activated propulsion systems 42 after the insular water therein has served its cooling purposes. These delivery tubes 40 are installed to feed the shipboard distillation plant 43 which is of any desirable design of established manufacture and which functions to process the necessary fresh water 44 from the insular sea water 41 for the benefit of crew and passengers travelling on board. Adjacent to the distillation plant 43, the aforementioned liquid oxygen processing plants 25 and liquid hydrogen processing plants 26 are mounted.

PROVISION FOR REVERSE DIRECTIONAL MOVEMENT OF THE BASIC CRAFT Referring further to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, it is seen that the propulsion systems 42 are so installed as to provide rearward-thrust and therefore forward directional movement to the craft from a plurality of these systems which deliver their respective spent insular water 41 at the rear, via the delivery tubes 40. A further plurality of propulsion systems 42a are so installed, conversely, to impart thrust at the front of the craft which provide rearward directional movement to the craft. Hence systems 42a deliver their respective spent insular water 41 from the front of the craft via their delivery tubes 40 at the front of the craft. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 only, to facilitate the choice of directional movement to the craft, all the propulsion systems are fitted with hinged blanking-off cone shaped caps 55 at their inlet and outlet extremities. In order to blank off the unwanted systems which are not used for the direction of the craft as desired, for example when the craft is set for moving in a forward direction, the rearward propulsion systems 42 are blanked off at their inlet and outlet extremities by their respective hinged cone caps being pre-set in their closed positions 45a to seal off entry and exit of inlet water and outlet eflux of thrust steamgas respectively.

Referring to FIG. 3, conversely, when the craft is to be moved in a rearward direction, all the forward propulsion systems 42a are blanked off by their respective hinged cone caps being pre-set in the closed position 45a while the rearward propulsion systems 42 are actively engaged with their respective hinged cone caps in the open position 45b, as shown in FIG. 1. All cone caps are fitted with drainage facilities consisting of an electrically driven pump 46 for scavenging sea water via delivery pipe 47, as shown in FIG. 1.

PROPULSION SYSTEMS The propulsion means for this type of craft consists of a primary ignition system and a secondary ignition system. The primary ignition system utilizes an atomized mixture of blown air, pumped heavy gas oil and pumped water from the front of the craft, which mixture is imparted to a plurality of electrically heated plates, with the water being used primarily in the form of an atomized spray to intersperse the molecules of the oil in order to place the mixture in condition for an incandescent combustion flowing rearward. The resultant pressurized gas and steam mixture is allowed to pass directly into the initial combustion chamber, for further pressurization via a convergent-to-divergent diffuser tube to complete the first phase of combustion.

The second phase of combustion is afforded by the continuation of the gas and steam flow into a divergentto-convergent diffuser tube. Into this tube, at the initial points of divergence, compressed air is pumped into the gas and steam flow while a paraffin grade fuel is injected simultaneously into the flow at adjacent points to those of compressed air entry. Furthermore, since the entire combustion systems are surrounded by a jacket of insular water which flows from fore to aft, a small quantity of this warm water is taken and pumped into this second phase of combustion at points of entry adjacent to those of the compressed air and paraffin. Thus the second phase of combustion is completed when compression is achieved within the convergent confines of this tube.

The third phase of combustion takes place within a further divergent-to-convergent diffuser tube, in a manner similar to the second phase. The difference is that the compressed air, insular water and a high grade kerosene fuel are placed at this phase at a higher pumped pressure. The resultant pressurized gas and steam flowing therefrom is allowed to How directly into an axial flow turbine of established design and manufacture which is directly coupled mechanically to a power take-ofl gear and shaft assembly in sun and planet formation, while the jet eflux from the turbine is delivered through a tube in the center of the latter assembly. The planet gear shafts are coupled directly to electric generators, respectively, each of which is contained within its own waterproof housing since the insular water is allowed to flow therearound to protect its metallic components from overheating. The efflux tube containing the gas/steam flow from the turbine is also connected to a tubular after-bumer assembly of established design and manufacture wherein an additional supply of compressed air and kerosene is forcibly injected. This arrangement constitutes the fourth phase of combustion.-

Immediately aft of this assembly, a further calibrated supply of insular water is forcibly injected into the gas flow in a parallel direction and within an expansion combustion chamber of hemispherical shape and construction. This constitutes the fifth phase of combustion.

The sixth phase of combustion consists of a convergent-to-divergent diffuser tube connected immediately aft of the expansion chamber, to direct the steam/gas flow rearwards at a higher speed into a tube within which is installed a plurality of heavily insulated electrical spark electrodes arranged in helical alignment so as to impart a sufficiency of electrical activation and heat energy to the steam/gas flow. The sparks are directed from fore to aft.

The seventh phase of combustion consists of a further hemispherical chamber whichv is connected directly onto and-immediately aft of the latter tube and the resultant pressurized gas flow passed thereinto accepts the intermittent injection of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen which is forcibly fed thereto in parallel flow and in streams of atomized spray with respect to the directional flow of the pressurized gas. This flow of the gas is rearward into a convergent infusion nozzle which increases the pressure before passing into a final venturi to impart thrust prior to final efflux from a tail pipe at an ultra-high speed.

The liquid oxygen is supplied from a processing plant on board the craft utilizing the surrounding air. The liquid hydrogen is-processed on board utilizing the remainder of the warm insular water which is fed from the rearmost extremity of the propulsion system by a feed pipe after this water has served its insulating purpose.

This type of craft made in accordance with the present invention and as illustrated comprises a plurality of propulsion units in parallel longitudinal alignment below the surface of the ocean while the plurality of roller shaped floats within their respective rocker assemblies are situated between the propulsion structures and yet roll on the surface of the ocean while supporting the entire weight of the craft with its superstructure containing the controls, primary fuels, electric batteries and the payload, in addition to the life saving equipment.

Ancillary equipment includes extra turbines and electric generators and/or pumps installed within immersed tubes to utilize the final jet effluxes when the craft is installed as an off shore power plant.

Replicas of this invention may be pivotally connected by torsion beams to form a larger composite craft for a higher degree of stability, speed and payload, with a more efficient capability to negotiate and traverse oceans having accumulated water of outstanding proportions in enormity.

It is intended and is within the scope of the invention that the greatest proportion of the total thrust output propulsion force be derived from the water upon which the craft is borne and the air around and above it while the primary fuels may be utilized in minimal quantities when the maximum operating temperatures and pressures are obtained.

Reference is now to be had to FIGS. 5, 5A, 6, 6A, 7 and 7A wherein illustrative propulsion means for this type of craft made in accordance with the present invention is shown.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 5A specifically, the primary ignition system shown therein utilizes an atomized mixture of blown air 48 being driven from the intake blower 50 into the initial air intake tube 49. The blower 50 is electrically driven by the air input fan motor 51. The moving air stream 48 conveys the globules of heavy gas oil 52 which is pumped into the air intake tube 49 from the oil delivery pipe 53 by means of the electrically driven oil pump 54 located below the oil supply tank 30, which is below the main deck (see FIG. 1 only). The resultant mixture of air and oil is thus fed downwards through the intake tube 49, below the surface of the water upon which the craft is borne, into the main mixing gallery 56, wherein the perforated cone 57 provides multiple water jets 57a. The mixture is utilized therefrom in an atomized condition to intersperse the globules of the oil in order to separate the oil molecules for further advancement to create this total mixture of air, oil and water so as to render them to be more amenable for an incandescent combustion. The initial ignition occurs when a red glow heat is imparted from a plurality of cone shaped electrically heated plates 58 and/or electrically heated concentric coils of tubes, rods or wires 59 as optionally chosen for the initial ignition medium or means.

This initial ignition arrangement is installed within the entry area of the initial combustion chamber 60 in order to provide and to direct the resultant pressurized gas and steam mixture 61 for further pressurization via a divergent-to-convergent diffuser tube or cone 62 to complete the first phase of combustion.

It is noted, however, that the water upon which the craft is borne is utilized also as a coolant in the form of insular water 64 passing within the gallery between the combustion chambers 60 and the outer cylindrical jacket 65. The actual flow rate and speed of this insular water may be regulated by the insulating water flow valve 66 which consists of a plurality of cones or parabolas 67 into which are cut apertures or voids 68 in order that when the cones or parabolas are installed in an alternately fixed and rotationally movable sequence it is then possible to variate the flow of insular water by the amount of the apertures or voids 63 being closed 

1. A propulsion unit for propelling a marine craft comprising elongated housing means, a first combustion zone means centrally positioned within and spaced from said housing means and adjacent the forward end of said housing means, said first combustion zone means having an inlet end and an outlet end, means to feed fuel, water and air under pressure into the inlet end of said first combustion zone forming a pressurized combustible mixture therein, incandescent combustion means for effecting the combustion of said formed mixture in said first combustion zone means with said resulting mixture passing out through the outlet end of said first combustion zone means, at least one other subsequent combustion zone means having an inlet end and an outlet end centrally positioned within and spaced from said housing means and connected at its inlet end in axial alignment to the outlet end of said first combustion zone means for receiving the combusted mixture from said first combustion zone means, said other combustion zone means including divergent-toconvergent and convergent-to-divergent diffuser means to effect further pressuring of said combusted mixture, means to feed fuel, air and water into said other subsequent combustion zone means under a pressure greater than the pressure employed in said first combuston zone means for admixture with said combusted mixture, said gas, water and air mixture being subjected to combustion in said subsequent combustion zone means to build up a gas and steam flow mixture under an increased pressure and flow rate for passage from the outlet end thereof, axial flow turbine means having an inlet end connected to said other combustion zone and outlet end connected to an afterburner means centrally positioned within said housing means in spaced relation therefrom and connected at its inlet end in axial alignment to the outlet end of said turbine means, means driven by said turbine means to generate electric power means to feed gas and air under high pressure to said after burner means for admixture with said gas and steam therein, said mixture being subjected to combustion adjacent the outlet end of the afterburner means and being passed thereafter from the outlet end of said afterburner means in a compressed state, gas and steam compressible chamber meaNs having and inlet end and an outlet end centrally positioned within and spaced from said housing means and connected at its inlet end in axial alignment to the outlet end of said afterburner means for receiving said gas and steam mixture under pressure therefrom therein, means to feed water under high pressure into said compressible chamber means to convert said gas and steam mixture into a steam and gas mixture, said steam and gas mixture being further compressed in the compressible chamber means adjacent its outlet end thereof, incandescent combustion chamber means having an inlet end and an outlet centrally positioned within said housing means in spaced relation therefrom and connected at its inlet end in axial alignment to the outlet end of said compressible chamber means for receiving the highly compressed steam and gas mixture therefrom therein, incandescent means for effecting the combustion of said steam and gas mixture to raise the pressure and flow rate of said steam and gas mixture, a final combustion zone means having an inlet end and a jet thrust effluent end centrally positioned within and spaced from said housing means with the inlet end thereof being connected in axial alignment to the outlet end of said incandescent chamber means for receiving the combusted steam and gas mixture therein, injection means for injecting liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen under pressure into said final combustion zone means for admixture with said combusted steam and gas mixture, said formed mixture being pressurized and subjected to combustion in the aft end of said final combustion zone means with the resulting gas flow passing through the outlet end thereof as the jet thrust effluent the spacing of said respective combustion zone means, compressible chamber means, combustion chamber means, and said axial flow turbine means from said housing means forming an axially extending spacing therebetween, and means for passing water through said formed spacing to effect the cooling of said propulsion unit.
 2. A propulsion unit in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for passing the water through the formed space include means to draw the water on which the marine craft is moving as the water for use in said unit.
 3. A propulsion unit in accordance with claim 2 wherein the means drawing the water comprise valve means having a plurality of cone means having openings formed therein positioned in superimposed relationship with respect to one another, and means to rotate the cone means with respect to one another whereby the said cones are positioned in alternately fixed and rotationally movable sequence with respect to one another to control the rate of flow of water into the formed spacing.
 4. A propulsion unit in accordance with claim 2 whi0h further includes means for feeding the water under pressure, where needed, for admixture with the gas and air in the operation of the propulsion unit. 